March 2025 | DESIGN & INTERIORS
a MODERN TUSCAN HAVEN in ONTARIO
words Karine Monie
photos Lauren Miller
interior design Studio Brocca
Nestled at the entrance of a scenic pathway leading to a French chateau, this new Ontario home—owned by an Italian family—radiates timeless elegance. Surrounded by lush greenery that offers both privacy and a sense of serenity, the residence is a masterful blend of minimalist design and warm, inviting hues, drawing inspiration from the rustic charm of Tuscany.
HISTORIC ROOTS, CONTEMPORARY VISION
Situated on the former site of a 1940 property in Vaughan, Ontario, the home pays homage to its rich past while embracing modern aesthetics. The location itself, marked by the pathway that guides visitors toward a majestic French chateau on the riverbank, sets an evocative backdrop where history meets contemporary design.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY: UNDERSTATED LUXURY
At the heart of this transformation is Studio Brocca, led by interior designer Samantha Brocca. With an emphasis on clean lines and natural materials, Brocca’s vision was to craft a space that exudes “understated luxury with a harmonious blend of natural materials, cozy tones, and playful sculptural accents.” The result is a serene yet sophisticated ambiance where every element—from the tall, linear window designs to subtle arch details—coalesces into a balanced, modern environment.
A TUSCAN PALETTE IN A CANADIAN SETTING
Drawing on the homeowners’ deep connection with Italy, particularly Tuscany, the interior color palette evokes the rolling hills and vineyards of the Tuscan. “We feel that the colour palette reminds us of the Tuscan wine country and rolling hills, but the contemporary touches bring the Tuscan palate into modern design,” the family shares. Stacked wood-framed openings in the bedroom, reminiscent of rows of trees in a vineyard, further enhance this connection, enriching the gray Canadian months with warmth and color.
COLOR OF THE YEAR: MOCHA MOUSSE
A striking feature of the home is the extensive use of Pantone’s Color of the Year 2025, Mocha Mousse. This rich, earthy tone is interwoven throughout the various rooms, adding depth and a luxurious feel to the interiors. The use of Mocha Mousse complements the natural materials and warm beige accents, creating a backdrop that is both refined and inviting.
HARMONIZING MATERIALS AND TEXTURES
Material choices play a pivotal role in reinforcing the home’s connection to nature and its refined aesthetic. Marbles with terracotta, green, and brown undertones echo the natural surroundings, while warm woods lend a harmonious balance throughout the space. Cream linens and rich, muted bronze metals add subtle grandeur without overpowering the design. “The green marble was the first item we selected for the home, before we broke ground—and we did anything to make it happen,” recalls Brocca, highlighting the meticulous attention to detail that went into material selection.
